Senate bill would protect US authors abroad

WASHINGTON 
American authors, journalists and publishers would be protected from some foreign libel suits under legislation approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The bill would prevent a U.S. federal court from recognizing or enforcing a foreign judgment for defamation that is inconsistent with the free speech guarantee in the U.S. Constitution.

Another provision would allow the defendants to obtain a U.S. court order declaring a foreign judgment would not be enforceable under American law.

The legislation "ensures that American journalists, authors and publishers are protected from foreign libel lawsuits that chill their First Amendment rights," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the committee chairman.

"The First Amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy," Leahy said. "Freedom of speech and the press enable vigorous debate over issues of national importance, and enable an exchange of ideas that shapes our political process."